When Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard took the stage at today's Big Gay Out in Coyle Park, he assured the crowd he wasn't going to sing or dance, but instead sent blessings to the gathered glbt folk. "Bless you, bless your work, and bless all you stand for," he said in a very gracious speech, the days of his infamous anti-civil union letter clearly behind him. Hubbard toured the grounds on his second annual visit to the Big Gay Out with Auckland Central MP Judith Tizard, and told GayNZ.com he had thoroughly enjoyed his experience last year. "I was hugely impressed with the family atmosphere, the whole setup I thought it was a great credit to the gay community, and it was actually quite an Auckland event, so delighted to be able to be back this year," he said. His favourite part of the day is meeting people, and enjoying the day's entertainment on the main stage. "I sort of realise now how many people I know in the gay community," he said.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Sunday, 12th February 2006 - 12:00pm